PHOENIX – Following recent reports of illness, Maricopa County health officials are warning valley residents about the dangers of consuming food from unauthorized vendors.

The Environment Agency has received 17 reports in recent weeks of adults suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting after eating from a “specific group of unlicensed street vendors”.

Officials say the street stall operators have been contacted about the allegations and the food code violations found during inspections. “However, due to the lack of cooperation from the operators in addressing and resolving this matter, the department has initiated legal action against the unlicensed food stalls.”

While officials did not disclose the names of the sellers involved in the lawsuit, they did provide the public with the following information:

“The stands in question are usually set up near sidewalks and in parking lots and offer to sell ‘tacos al pastor.’ The meat for the ‘tacos al pastor’ is placed on a vertical rotisserie, a ‘trompo’ or gyro. The meat is cut directly from the rotisserie into the taco. If the trompo is set up outdoors with makeshift equipment (e.g. pop-up tent, folding tables), it is likely not permitted and has the potential to cause illness.”

The agency is urging the public to eat only food from approved vendors, who must display a Maricopa County approval sign and have a permit card. The permits require vendors to follow food safety and sanitation regulations and to obtain food from approved sources.

Maricopa County

Pinal County authorities are also warning the public “about an increase in unauthorized food vendors throughout the county.”

According to officials, purchasing food from unlicensed vendors “carries a high risk of serious food-borne illness due to unsanitary conditions and should be avoided.”

The county health department is reportedly working with other agencies to address the problem of unauthorized food vendors.

If you have concerns about a food establishment or become ill from eating at a grocery store or street vendor in Maricopa County, you may contact the department by phone at 602-506-6616 or visit Maricopa.gov/Enviro to file your complaint electronically.

If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to report an unlicensed seller in Pinal County, please contact Environmental Health at 520-866-6864.